Campaign demonstration by Conservative progressive leader Doug Ford in London, Ontario. on Sunday afternoon it was briefly interrupted by protesters.
Ford was beginning to make his remarks at the Lamplighter Inn when a man took the stage and heard the PC leader say, “Mr. Ford, you’re privatizing our health care. You have to be honest with Ontario.”
He was immediately escorted out of the building by security and was booed by attendees.
The man was later identified as Jeffrey Hanks. He is the co-chair of the London Health Coalition (LHC). The group protested in front of the venue with signs saying “Let’s not privatize our public health care.”
Hanks told CTV News London that he stormed the stage and confronted Ford because he wanted people to know about Ford’s privatization plans.
“It was pretty scary, but, you know, I’m fine,” Hanks said from the parking lot after the rally.
“I just hope more people know that they are privatizing our health care, and they should vote accordingly.”
Another man, Humberto Ponce De Leon, later got on stage after Hanks, but was also quickly grabbed by security. He told CTV News London that four more years of Ford would put the province’s healthcare system in a “serious and serious situation”.
“I think I have a right to let people know before I vote that Doug Ford is really a scam,” he said. “Conservatives have been destroying this province and this country at the expense of the most vulnerable.”
“We need a change,” he added.
Shortly afterwards, Ford continued his statements, promoting his party’s plan if re-elected.
Election Day is June 2.
– with Brent Lale files from CTV News London